Print Chops

Print chops are one of the main ways to distinguish an original Inuit fine art print from a reproduction. These unique markers were first applied to prints made in Kinngait (Cape Dorset) in the late 1950s. The practice is adapted from Japanese printmaking and was observed and subsequently utilized by Canadian craft officer James Houston, who was instrumental in early Inuit printmaking. Other communities followed suit, although many independent printmakers, such as Germaine Arnaktauyok, do not utilize chops.

Most prints have a basic legend of information—name of the artist and printer, title, year, edition, community name and community chops.

Sandra B. Barz, PhD (Honourary) Former Publisher and Editor for Arts & Culture of the North

For additional information on more than 8,000 prints and detailed accounts of individual artist chops and special collections and releases refer to the Inuit Artists Print Workbooks, Volumes 1 and 3.